Electronic device having sealed button biometric sensing system

ABSTRACT

A biometric button assembly may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The biometric button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The biometric button assembly may further include a biometric sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The signal may correspond to a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint. A flexible conduit may transmit the signal to the processor. A portion of the flexible conduit and a seal may be positioned between the button assembly and the enclosure that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices. Moreparticularly, this disclosure relates to a biometric sensing system inan electronic device. Still more particularly, the present inventionrelates to a fingerprint sensing system integrated with a button.

BACKGROUND

Many traditional electronics include buttons, keys, or other types ofcomponents. Many traditional buttons merely function as switches and arenot able to sense a biometric characteristic. Additionally, sometraditional buttons may be difficult to seal and may allow for ingressof liquid and other contaminants. The systems and devices describedherein are directed to biometric sensing systems that may address theseand other issues that are associated with some traditional buttons.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an electronic device is disclosed, the electronic devicecomprising: an enclosure having an enclosed volume and an opening formedin a sidewall; a processor positioned in the enclosed volume; a buttonassembly within the opening, the button assembly comprising: an inputmember having an input surface; and a biometric sensor positioned belowthe input member and configured to produce an output signal in responseto a touch on the input surface, the output signal corresponding to abiometric characteristic; a seal positioned between a sealing surface ofthe button assembly and the enclosure; and a flexible conduit coupled tothe biometric sensor and configured to transmit the output signal to theprocessor; wherein: a portion of the flexible conduit is disposedbetween the sealing surface and the enclosure.

In another aspect, the button assembly further comprises: a tactile domeswitch configured to compress in response to a press on the inputsurface; a plunger positioned below the biometric sensor and above thetactile dome switch, the plunger displacing and compressing the tactiledome switch in response to the press on the input surface; and aretainer defining an aperture housing the plunger; wherein the retainerdefines the sealing surface of the button assembly. In another aspect,the seal includes a gasket and a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)layer; and the portion of the flexible conduit is positioned between thegasket and the sealing surface of the button assembly. In anotheraspect, the seal is overmolded around the portion of the flexibleconduit. In another aspect, the flexible conduit passes through anaperture in the seal. In another aspect, the electronic device furthercomprises a passage extending from the opening to the enclosed volume,wherein the flexible conduit passes through the passage. In anotheraspect, an enclosure shelf is defined at the bottom of the opening; thepassage is formed in the enclosure shelf; and the seal encircles thepassage. In another aspect, the portion of the flexible conduitencircles the passage. In another aspect, the biometric sensor is afingerprint sensor and the biometric characteristic is a fingerprint. Inanother aspect, the biometric sensor comprises an array of capacitivesensing elements that are configured to detect either or both of theridges and grooves of a user's finger.

In another aspect, a fingerprint sensing system for a wearable device isdisclosed, the fingerprint sensing system comprising: an enclosuredefining an enclosed volume and an opening along an exterior surface; aprocessor disposed in the enclosed volume; a button assembly positionedin the opening and defining an input surface, the button assemblycomprising: a fingerprint sensor positioned inward from the inputsurface; and a retainer positioned inward from the input surface anddefining a sealing surface; a seal disposed between the sealing surfaceof the retainer and a surface of the opening; a passage extending fromthe opening to the enclosed volume; and a flexible conduit electricallyconnecting the fingerprint sensor to the processor; wherein: a portionof the flexible conduit is disposed between the sealing surface of theretainer and the surface of the opening.

In another aspect, the flexible conduit extends through the passage. Inanother aspect, the flexible conduit is coupled to a second flexibleconduit that extends through the passage. In another aspect, thefingerprint sensor is further configured to detect a touch. In anotheraspect, the button assembly further comprises a tactile dome switchdisposed inward from the retainer; and the tactile dome switchcompresses in response to a press on the input surface.

In one aspect, a watch is disclosed, the watch comprising: an enclosuredefining an enclosed volume and an opening formed in a sidewall; aprocessor disposed in the enclosed volume; a display positioned withinthe disclosure and operably coupled to the processor; a watchbandattached to the enclosure and configured to couple the watch to a user;and a button assembly disposed within the opening, the button assemblycomprising: a button housing; an input member with an input surface; afingerprint sensor positioned below the input member and configured toproduce an output signal in response to a touch on the input surface,the output signal corresponding to a fingerprint; and a touch sensorconfigured to detect the touch.

In another aspect, the watch further comprises a flexible conduitelectrically coupled to the fingerprint sensor and configured totransmit the output signal to the processor; and a passage extendingfrom the opening to the enclosed volume; wherein the flexible conduitextends from the opening to the enclosed volume through the passage. Inanother aspect, the watch further comprises a seal positioned betweenthe button housing and a surface of the opening, and a fastenerattaching the button housing to the enclosure and placing the seal incompression. In another aspect, the watch further comprises acompressible layer disposed below the fingerprint sensor, thecompressible layer compressing to receive a displacement or a deflectionof the input member upon receipt of a user force to the input surface.In another aspect, the watch further comprises an electrical isolationsheet disposed between the button housing and the enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like elements. The elements of the drawingsare not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Identical referencenumerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical featuresthat are common to the figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of one example of an electronic device with abiometric sensing system and button assembly according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 2A is a cross-section view of the electronic device of FIG. 1,taken along section A-A in FIG. 1 and showing one embodiment of abiometric sensing system with button assembly in a first or undepressedstate;

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of the electronic device of FIG. 2A withbutton assembly in a second or depressed state;

FIG. 3A is a cross-section view of the electronic device of FIG. 1,taken along section A-A in FIG. 1 and showing another embodiment of abiometric sensing system;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of portions of the embodiment of a biometricsensing system of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is another view of portions of the embodiment of a biometricsensing system of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a cross-section view of the electronic device of FIG. 1,taken along section A-A in FIG. 1 and showing another embodiment of abiometric sensing system;

FIG. 4A is a cross-section view of the electronic device of FIG. 1,taken along section B-B in FIG. 1 and showing another embodiment of abiometric sensing system;

FIG. 4B is a cross-section view of the electronic device of FIG. 1,taken along section B-B in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4C is an exploded view of portions of the embodiment of a biometricsensing system of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 4D is an exploded view of portions of the embodiment of a biometricsensing system of FIG. 4C;

FIG. 4E is a cross-section view of the electronic device of FIG. 1,taken along section B-B in FIG. 1 and showing another embodiment of abiometric sensing system 401; and

FIG. 5 is an illustrative block diagram of an electronic device such asdescribed herein.

The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures isgenerally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elementsand also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neitherthe presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys orindicates any preference or requirement for particular materials,material properties, element proportions, element dimensions,commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any othercharacteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated inthe accompanying figures.

Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions anddimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features andelements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries,separations, and positional relationships presented there between, areprovided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate anunderstanding of the various embodiments described herein and,accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale,and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for anillustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described withreference thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred implementation. To the contrary, the described embodimentsare intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents ascan be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and asdefined by the appended claims.

The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a button with abiometric sensor. For example, the biometric sensor may be a fingerprintsensor. The biometric sensor produces an output signal in response to auser input to the button, such as a user touch. The output signalprovides data associated with a biometric characteristic of the user,such as a fingerprint. The output signal is processed by a processorpositioned inside the electronic device. A flexible conduit transmitsthe output signal of the biometric button to the processor of theelectronic device. The processor, and other electronic components insidethe electronic device, are sensitive to contaminants, such as dust,debris, and liquid. The interface between the button and the electronicdevice may provide a pathway for entry of contaminants. The routing ofthe electrical connection between the sensor and the processor mayintroduce an additional entry path for contaminants into the electronicdevice. To address these design challenges, a flexible conduitcooperates with a seal fitted between a button of the electronic device.The combined seal and flexible conduit restrict contaminants fromentering the electronic device while providing an electrical connectionbetween the biometric sensor and the processor.

Two principal embodiments of a button with a biometric sensor aredisclosed. In the first embodiment, a button of an electronic device ismovable and includes a biometric sensor and a tactile switch. As thebutton moves, a tactile switch is compressed and produces a tactileoutput. The biometric sensor produces an output signal in response to auser touch and corresponds to a biometric characteristic of a user(e.g., a fingerprint). A flexible conduit transmits the sensor data to aprocessor positioned inside the electronic device. The flexible conduitalso cooperates with a seal to restrict ingress of contaminants into theelectronic device.

In the second embodiment, a button of an electronic device is stationaryand includes both a touch sensor to detect a user input and a biometricsensor. Similar to the first embodiment, the biometric sensor producesan output signal in response to a user touch. A flexible conduittransmits the sensor data to a processor positioned inside theelectronic device. A capacitive touch sensor is configured to detect aninput to the button input member. The button is sealed by a sealpositioned between a button housing and an enclosure of the electronicdevice.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-5. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example electronic device 100 that may incorporatea biometric sensing system 101, as described herein. The electronicdevice 100 includes an enclosure 120 and a biometric button assembly 110disposed in an opening of the enclosure 120. The biometric buttonassembly 110 may displace into the enclosure 120 and may include aninput member 112 and a biometric sensor.

The biometric sensor may sense a biometric characteristic of the user.The biometric sensor may be implemented in any of several configurationsincluding, for example, a capacitive sensor that can be used to identifya fingerprint. “Biometric sensor,” as used herein, may be used to referto a sensor that can identify or determine a human physicalcharacteristic. The sensed human physical characteristic may varywidely, but may include fingerprint, palm veins, DNA, heart rate, andblood pressure. A capacitive biometric sensor may sense fingerprintcharacteristics of a user touch that may be used to provide afingerprint identification of the user. In addition to providing anoutput that corresponds to a biometric characteristic, the output of thebiometric sensor may indicate whether an input (e.g., a touch, a press,or the like) occurs, an approximate location where an input occurs,and/or a measure of the input, e.g., a measurement of absolutecapacitance or capacitance change.

The biometric characteristic sensed by the biometric sensor may be usedby the device in a number of different ways. For example, the biometriccharacteristic may be used to identify a user and, thus, may provide abiometric identification for a process or a transaction. The biometricidentification may be used to, for example, unlock an electronic device,authorize a transaction, send an alert, and/or enable applicationsrunning on the electronic device. A “biometric characteristic” or a“biometric identifier,” as used herein, may refer to a humancharacteristic that is so distinctive and measureable that a particularhuman individual may be identified. Fingerprints and DNA are examplebiometric characteristics.

The biometric sensing system 101 may be configured as a button, asdepicted in FIG. 1. Other configurations are possible, such as a key ofa keyboard or a joystick of a gaming device. The input member 112 of thebiometric sensing system 101 may be touched, pressed, or otherwiseinteracted with by a user. The input member 112 may translate, deflect,bend, or otherwise move a relatively small distance in response to userinput.

The biometric sensor produces an output signal in response to a userinput to the button, such as a user touch. The output signal providesdata associated with a biometric characteristic of the user, such as afingerprint. The output signal typically requires processing todetermine a biometric characteristic, such as a user fingerprint. Theprocessing of the output signal is performed by a processor disposedwithin the enclosure 120 of the electronic device 100. An electricalconnector couples the biometric sensor and the processor to transmit theoutput signal from the biometric sensor to the processor positioned inthe enclosure 120.

It is desirable to seal the enclosure 120 from contaminants to protectinternal components that may be sensitive to contaminants.“Contaminants,” as used herein, may be used to refer to solids, liquids,and other foreign matter that are not suitable or may be harmful tointernal components of the electronic device. Example contaminantsinclude liquids, such as water, and solid matter, such as lint, dust,and food particles. As described herein, the biometric sensing system101 may be configured to reduce or prevent the ingress of contaminates.In some cases, a seal including for example a gasket and/or adhesive,may be fitted between the biometric sensing system 101 and the openingof the enclosure 120 to restrict the ingress of contaminants into theenclosure 120. To “seal,” as used herein, may be used to refer toclosing off an opening or a connection. When referenced to a part orcomponent, the term “seal,” as used herein, may be used to refer to anelement or a group of elements that blocks or inhibits the ingress orentry of foreign debris or contaminants.

The routing of the electrical connection between the sensor and theprocessor may also be configured to reduce or prevent the ingress ofcontaminants into the device enclosure. As described herein, a flexibleconduit or flexible connector that transmits an output signal from thebiometric sensor to the processor may form part of a seal that blocks orinhibits the ingress or entry of foreign debris or contaminants into theenclosure 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 100 is implementedas a wearable computing device (e.g., an electronic watch). Theelectronic device 100 is depicted as a watch with watchband 104, display103, and crown 102. The display 103 is positioned at least partiallywithin the enclosure 120 and may be covered with a cover sheet or othertransparent protective cover. The watch crown 102 and the biometricbutton assembly are at least partially positioned within respectiveopenings in the enclosure 120.

The enclosure 120 provides a device structure, defines an internalvolume of the electronic device 100, and houses device components. Invarious embodiments, the enclosure 120 may be constructed from anysuitable material, including metals (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium),polymers, ceramics (e.g., zirconia, glass, sapphire), and the like. Inone embodiment, the enclosure 120 is constructed from multiplematerials. The enclosure 120 can form an outer surface or partial outersurface and protective case for the internal components of theelectronic device 100, and may at least partially surround the display103. The enclosure 120 can be formed of one or more components operablyconnected together, such as a front piece and a back piece.Alternatively, the enclosure 120 can be formed of a single pieceoperably connected to the display 103.

In one embodiment, the enclosure 120 defines an enclosed volume, and mayinclude a passage between the enclosed volume and the opening such thatthe biometric button assembly 110 and additional components of theelectronic device 100 may be physically coupled, for example, by anelectrical connector. In contrast to conventional buttons, the biometricbutton assembly 110 includes a biometric sensor and a flexible conduitto transmit biometric sensor data to a processor of the electronicdevice 100. In one embodiment, a flexible conduit may pass through thepassage. In one embodiment, the flexible conduit cooperates with a sealto restrict the ingress of contaminants through the passage.

The biometric button assembly 110 is positioned or set in an opening ofthe electronic device 100. The button assembly 110 may be disposed onany of several locations of the electronic device 100. For example, thebutton assembly 110 may be positioned along a sidewall of an enclosure120 of an electronic device 100, as depicted in FIG. 1, in which thebutton assembly 110 is positioned on a sidewall of a watch.

Elements of the button assembly 110 may be integrated with othercomponents of an electronic device. For example, a biometric sensor maybe integrated with the rotatable watch crown 102 of a watch. In such anembodiment, a surface of the watch crown may provide an input surfacefor a biometric sensor of the button assembly, while the watch crown 102maintains an ability to rotate. In some embodiments, the button assembly110 may be positioned on a different portion of an electronic device100, such as on an upper face of an electronic device 100. For example,the button assembly 110 may be disposed adjacent the keyboard of alaptop computer.

The button assembly 110 includes an input member 112 that may betouched, pressed, or otherwise interacted with by a user. The inputmember 112 may translate, deflect, bend, or otherwise move a relativelysmall distance in response to user input. The input member 112 maycomprise one or more layers. In one embodiment, an outer layer is a capformed of a durable material such as sapphire. In one embodiment, thebutton assembly 110 is a sealed button assembly with a biometric sensingcapability. Such embodiments are discussed in greater detail below withrespect to FIGS. 2-5.

The button assembly 110 may be positioned to extend from the electronicdevice 100, as depicted in FIG. 1. Other configurations of the mountingof the button assembly 110 are possible. For example, the exterior ofthe button assembly 110 may be conformal with an adjacent input surfaceof an electronic device 100, or may be depressed or recessed withrespect to an adjacent exterior of an electronic device 100.Furthermore, an exterior upper surface of the button assembly 110 may beplanar or non-planar. For example, the exterior upper surface of thebutton assembly may form a generally convex or concave cross-sectionalshape. In one embodiment, the exterior upper surface is splined,meaning, for example, that the input surface extends beyond an activesensor area. Such a spline may be formed for cosmetic or aestheticreasons. In embodiments in which the button assembly 110 extends fromthe electronic device 100, the button assembly 110 may present a firstgeometry for a portion extending from the electronic device, and asecond geometry for another portion contained within the enclosure 120of the electronic device 100.

In embodiments in which the button assembly extends from the electronicdevice 100, such as shown in FIG. 1, the button assembly 110 may presenta first geometry for a portion extending from the electronic device, anda second geometry for another portion contained within the electronicdevice 100. For example, the button assembly 110 depicted in FIG. 1presents an oblong or oval geometry for the portion extending from thewatch device, yet may have a rectangular geometry, an oblong geometry ofreduced dimension, and/or an other-than-oblong geometry within the watchdevice. The button assembly 110 may be shaped in any of severalgeometries. For example, the button assembly may be circular, oblong, orrectangular.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 also includes a crown 102that receives inputs from a user. In one embodiment, the watch crown 102is configured to rotate about an axis and translate along the axis inresponse to manipulation. The watch crown 102 may further include aswitch such as a dome switch to provide a tactile response totranslation of the watch crown. As mentioned previously, elements orcomponents of the biometric button assembly may be integrated with thewatch crown 102 such that the watch crown has some or all of thecharacteristics of the biometric button assemblies described herein. Forexample, a biometric sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor, may producean output signal in response to a user touch to a surface of the watchcrown, the output signal corresponding to a fingerprint.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 also includes a display103 that can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, butnot limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emittingdiode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED)technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or anothertype of display technology. The display 103 provides a graphical output,for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/orapplications of the electronic device 100. In one embodiment, thedisplay 103 includes one or more sensors and is configured as atouch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitivedisplay to receive inputs from a user. The display 103 is operablycoupled to a processor of the electronic device 100 and in variousembodiments, a graphical output of the display 103 is responsive toinputs provided to the biometric button assembly.

The wearable electronic device 100 can be permanently or removablyattached to the watchband 104. The watchband 104 is configured to coupleor attach the watch to a user. The watchband can be made of any suitablematerial, including, but not limited to, leather, metal, polymer,fabric, and composites of multiple materials. In the illustratedembodiment, the watchband is a wristband that wraps around the user'swrist. The wristband can include an attachment mechanism, such as abracelet clasp, and magnetic connectors. In other embodiments, thewatchband can be elastic or stretchable such that it fits over the handof the user and does not include an attachment mechanism.

The electronic device 100 can also include one or more internalcomponents (not shown) typical of a computing or electronic device, suchas, for example, one or more processors, memory components, networkinterfaces, and so on. Example device components are discussed in moredetail below with respect to FIG. 5. Although a watch is shown in FIG.1, it should be appreciated that any number of electronic devices mayincorporate a biometric button assembly, including (but not limited to):computers, personal digital assistants, media players, laptops, otherwearable devices, touch-sensitive devices, keypads, keyboards, and soon.

FIGS. 2A-B are cross-sections of a biometric button assembly disposed inan opening of an electronic device taken along section A-A of FIG. 1.The biometric button assembly 210 is disposed in an opening of anenclosure 120 of an electronic device 100. In FIG. 2A, the biometricbutton assembly 210 is depicted in a first, undepressed state. In FIG.2B, the biometric button assembly 210 is depicted in a second, depressedstate. Alternate embodiments of the biometric sensing system 201 ofFIGS. 2A-B are provided in FIGS. 3A-D, discussed below.

The biometric button assembly 210 is configured to move or displace inresponse to an input to the input surface 212, e.g. a user touch to theinput surface. A button housing 203 of the biometric button assembly 210displaces into the opening 222 of the enclosure 120 to activate tactileswitch 250. The tactile switch 250 provides the user with tactilefeedback as to switch operation; for example, whether the switch hasbeen activated. The tactile switch 250 collapses when activated (asdepicted in FIG. 2B), and thus provides a tactile response or feedbackalong the button or other external surface that the switch has beenactivated.

In the present embodiment, a plunger 202 is used to actuate the tactileswitch 250. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the plunger 202 is positionedbelow the input surface 212 and translates or displaces withdisplacement of the input surface 212. The plunger 202 is positionedabove the tactile switch 250. The tactile switch 250 receives a forcewith movement of the plunger 202. Once the plunger 202 displaces to athreshold distance, the tactile switch 250 collapses (compare FIGS. 2Aand 2B, where the tactile switch 250 has collapsed in FIG. 2B fromun-collapsed configuration in FIG. 2A.)

The tactile switch 250 may produce an electrical signal that may be usedto activate or as user input for one of many aspects of the electronicdevice. For example, activation of the tactical switch 250 may modify agraphical output of the electronic device produced or displayed on thedisplay of the electronic device. That is, the display may providegraphical output that is responsive to the switch 250. For example, theswitch 250 may be used to select or accept an option or item, change oradjust a setting, transition a user interface, and/or zoom in or out ofthe display. As another example, the activation of the switch 250 may beused to control a process (e.g., turn off an alarm), control hardware(e.g., change the brightness or other aspect of a display), or otherwiseprovide user input to the device 100.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, a biometric sensor 230 is positioned below theinput surface 212. Stated another way, the biometric sensor 230 islocated inwards from the input surface 212, such that the sensor 230 ispositioned within the button assembly and offset inward with respect tothe input surface 212. The biometric sensor 230 senses a biometriccharacteristic of a user, based on user interaction with the inputsurface 212. For example, the biometric sensor 230 may be a fingerprintsensor of an array of capacitive sensing elements. Upon a user touch tothe input surface 212, the biometric sensor 230 senses a change incapacitance or a value of capacitance of the array of capacitive sensingelements. The biometric sensor 230 produces an output signal thatincludes the sensor measurements. The output signal corresponds to afingerprint of the user. The output signal may be processed to determinethe user fingerprint. The output signal is processed by a processorpositioned in an enclosed volume 221 of the electronic device.

A flexible conduit 240 receives the output signal of the biometricsensor 230 and provides the output signal to the processor of theelectronic device 100. The flexible conduit 240 may pass through passage227 between the enclosed volume 221 of the electronic device 100 andinterior volume 216 within the button housing 203.

A seal 262 is positioned between a sealing surface 225 of the buttonassembly 210 and an enclosure shelf 223 of the enclosure 120 of theelectronic device 100. The seal 262 restricts ingress of contaminantsfrom entering the enclosed volume 221 by way of the passage 227. Theflexible conduit 240 cooperates with the seal 262 to restrict ingress ofcontaminants from entering the enclosed volume 221 by way of the passage227. The seal 262 may encircle the passage 227.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-B, the flexible conduit 240 and the seal262 form a stack that may be referred to as a seal region 209. Theflexible conduit 240 includes a portion that is disposed above or on topof the seal 262, the seal 262 disposed or on top of the enclosure shelf223. The flexible conduit 240 portion stacked on top of the seal 262 isdisposed below a sealing surface 225 of the button assembly 210. In theembodiment of FIGS. 2A-B, a lower surface of the retainer 224 is thesealing surface 225 of the button assembly 210. In the present example,both the seal 262 and a portion of the flexible conduit 240 encircle orsurround the passage 227. Also, in the present example, the flexibleconduit 240 is stacked over the entire seal 262 and the relevant portionof the flexible conduit 240 covers or overlaps substantially all of asealing surface of the seal 262. This is evident from FIGS. 2A-B,depicting the flexible conduit 240 disposed above the seal 262 on boththe left side of the plunger 202 and the right side of the plunger 202.(Also, see FIGS. 3B-C and associated discussion.)

Other configurations of the seal region 209 are possible. For example, aportion of the flexible conduit 240 may be positioned below the seal262, such that a stack is formed of seal 262 then flexible conduit 240.In such a configuration, the seal 262 would be disposed below the lowersurface of the retainer 224. In one embodiment, the seal region 209 is astack of a first seal, a portion of flexible conduit 240, and then asecond seal. In another embodiment, the seal 262 is overmolded about allor a portion of the portion of the flexible conduit 240 in contact withthe seal 262. In one embodiment, one or more components of the sealregion 209 may be under compression when fitted below the sealingsurface 225 of the button assembly 210.

The biometric sensor 230 detects inputs received at the input surface212 and provides an output signal associated with the detected input,for example, to a processor of the electronic device 100. The biometricsensor 230 may include a set of sensing elements. The biometric sensor230 may be partially or entirely disposed in the interior volume 216and/or disposed on or near a surface of the button housing 203, such asthe input surface 212. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2A-B, thebiometric sensor 230 is positioned below the input surface 212.

The biometric sensor 230 may be any type of biometric sensor thatprovides a signal associated with a biometric characteristic of a userbased on user interaction with the input surface 212. For example, thesensor 230 may be a sensor that detects or can be used to identify afingerprint biometric. The fingerprint biometric may be obtained by anymeans known in the art, to include, without limitation, a capacitivefingerprint sensor, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and an opticalfingerprint sensor. In one embodiment, the biometric sensor 230 is acapacitive system which detects differences in capacitance betweenportions of a user's finger. A capacitor sensing area may sense ormeasure such a change in capacitance and output an electrical outputsignal.

The biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint, may be used for anyof several purposes, such as to provide a user authentication. A userauthentication may be used in any of several ways. For example, the userauthentication may be used to unlock the electronic device, to authorizea transaction, or to send an alert. A biometric button assembly may beconfigured, for example, as a power button, a key of a keyboard, acontrol button (e.g., volume control), a home button, a watch crown, andso on.

The biometric sensor 230 provides or outputs an output signal or asensor measurement associated with user interaction with the buttonassembly 210. The output signal may be an electrical output signal. Morespecifically, the sensor 230 provides or outputs a signal that istriggered or prompted by user interaction with the input surface 212.The input surface 212 may be an input surface configured to receive auser input which may be sensed by the sensor 230, which outputs a signalassociated with a biometric of a user. For example, if the force sensor230 is a capacitive-based sensor, measurements of voltage, capacitanceand the like may be sensed by the sensor 230 and output as an electricaloutput signal.

In one embodiment, the biometric sensor is a capacitive-based sensorarray of a set or group of capacitors. In one embodiment, the biometricsensor is a capacitive-based sensor of an array of capacitive sensingelements. In one embodiment, the array, or matrix, of capacitive-basedsensors is fine enough to decipher the ridges and grooves of a humanfingerprint. Each capacitive sensor element of the array of capacitivesensing elements measures the capacitance between the sensor element anda portion of a user finger near or touching the input surface. Thedifferences in distance to the ridges and channels between ridges of afingerprint may be used to produce a fingerprint.

The sensor 230 and at least a portion of the flexible conduit 240 aredisposed within the interior volume 216. The flexible conduit 240 isengaged with the sensor 230 such that the flexible conduit 240 receivesan electrical output signal provided or output by the sensor 230. Statedanother way, the flexible conduit 240 is configured to receive theelectrical output signal output or transmitted by the sensor 230. Theflexible conduit 240 transmits the electrical output signal to aprocessor of the electronic device 100, the processor of the electronicdevice 100 disposed within the enclosed volume 221.

The flexible conduit 240 receives the output signal of the biometricsensor 230 and provides the output signal to the processor of theelectronic device 100. The flexible conduit 240 may pass through passage227 between the enclosed volume 221 of the electronic device 100 aninterior volume 216 within the button housing 203.

The flexible conduit 240 is configured to receive the electrical outputsignal output or transmitted by the sensor 230. The flexible conduit 240transmits the electrical output signal to a processor of the electronicdevice 100. The processor of the electronic device 100 is disposedwithin the enclosed volume 221. A proximal or first end of the flexibleconduit 240 is disposed below the sensor 230 and within the interiorvolume 216. A second or distal end of the flexible conduit 240 isdisposed below the button assembly 210 and within the enclosed volume221. A portion of the flexible conduit 240 may pass through a sealregion 209 while not compromising the integrity of the seal region 209.Stated another way, the ability of the seal region 209 to prevent orrestrict the entry of contaminants into the enclosed volume 221 and/orthe interior volume 216 is not degraded or reduced because the flexibleconduit 240 passes through, or forms part of, the seal region 219 by wayof the passage 227.

A seal 262 is positioned between a sealing surface 225 of the buttonassembly 210 and an enclosure shelf 223 of the opening 222 of theelectronic device 100. The seal restricts ingress of contaminants fromentering the enclosed volume 221 by way of the passage 227. The flexibleconduit 240 may cooperate with the seal 262 to restrict ingress ofcontaminants from entering the enclosed volume 221 by way of the passage227. A portion of the flexible conduit 240 may form a stack with theseal 262. In one embodiment, the seal 262 is disposed on the enclosureshelf 223. In one embodiment, the seal 262 is disposed below the sealingsurface 225 of the button assembly 210. In one embodiment, a portion ofthe flexible conduit 240 is disposed between the seal 262 and thesealing surface 225. In one embodiment, a portion of the flexibleconduit 240 is disposed between the seal 262 and the enclosure shelf223.

The seal 262 may be of a substantially uniform material or a compositeof more than one material, and may be manufactured of any known materialthat may form a water-tight seal. The one or more materials of the seal262 may comprise any of several materials used to form a seal, includingpressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), heat activated (HAF) substances, orfilms including HAF silicon, polyimides (PI), rubber, and elastomericmaterials. The seal 262 may form, in part or in entirety, a gasket seal,such as a compressible gasket seal.

The flexible conduit 240 extends from the biometric sensor 230 throughthe seal region 209 and to the processor disposed in the opening 222 byway of the passage 227. The flexible conduit 240 may pass through theseal region 209 in any of several ways, such as entry from a firstlateral or first side portion and exiting from a second lateral orsecond side portion, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-B. In another embodiment,the portion of the flexible conduit that passes through the seal region209 substantially forms a plane within the seal 262, the planesubstantially parallel with the enclosure shelf 223 and/or the inputsurface 212. Stated another way, a portion of the flexible conduit 240may form a stacked configuration with the seal 262 to form a seal region209. In another embodiment, a first flexible conduit 240 terminateswithin the seal, and a second flexible conduit 240 extends from the sealto the processor, the two flexible connectors 240 in electricalcommunication.

The flexible conduit 240 may be any conduit configured to carry anelectrical current or signals while remaining conformable or flexibleupon bending and/or twisting. For example, the flexible conduit may beone or more electrical wires encased in plastic or silicon. The flexibleconduit 240 may include a portion that conforms to a geometry of one ormore components of the button assembly 210. For example, a portion ofthe flexible conduit 240 may conform to the interior geometry of thebutton housing (e.g., see FIG. 3C and associated discussion). Theflexible conduit 240 may present a flat although flexible geometry thatincludes a conductive portion or element that is configured to transferor communicate electrical signals.

The flexible conduit 240 may be formed from a flexible circuit, flexibleflat cable (FFC), or other similar component or assembly. For example,the flexible conduit 240 may be formed from a flexible circuit havingconductive traces formed on a flexible substrate. The flexible substratemay be manufactured from a sheet of flexible material include, but notlimited to, polyimide, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and other similarmaterials. A conductive film or layer may be printed, formed, orotherwise disposed on the substrate and may be patterned to define aconductive path or line. The flexible conduit 240 typically includesmultiple conductive paths or lines, each configured to conduct orcommunicate a separate electrical signal. The flexible conduit 240 mayinclude a terminal or connector that facilitates electrical andstructural connection with another component or element.

In some embodiments, the flexible conduit may perform some processing ofthe data output from the biometric sensor 230 prior to outputting ortransmitting the data to the processor of the electronic device 100. Forexample, the flexible conduit may filter the received data from thebiometric sensor 230 such that only activated sensor elements of amulti-sensor biometric sensor 230 are transferred. Such a scenariooccurs when the biometric sensor 230 is a matrix of capacitive sensorelements, in which only a fraction of the capacitive sensor elements areactivated by a user touch. By only transmitting data associated withactivated sensor elements, communication bandwidth is reduced. Also, theprocessor of the electronic device receives reduced data to process,thereby reducing computation time for fingerprint identification. Asdescribed above, the processor may apply the biometric identificationfor any of several purposes; for example, user identification, deviceunlocking, and application authorization. In some embodiments, theprocessor may also instruct the biometric sensor 230 to capture abiometric datum from the user.

The button housing 203 of the biometric button assembly 210 displacesinto the opening 222 of the enclosure 120 to activate the tactile switch250. The enclosure 120 has a sidewall partially defining an enclosedvolume 221, an opening 222 formed in the sidewall of the enclosure 120,an enclosure shelf 223 formed at a lower or distal portion of theopening 222, and a passage 227 extending from the opening to theenclosed volume 221.

The passage 227 may be configured to receive or pass a portion of theflexible conduit 240 from the opening 222 to the enclosed volume 221.Any of several components may be positioned in the enclosed volume 221to include a processor. The passage 227 between the enclosed volume 221and the opening of the enclosure 120 is configured so that the sensor230 and components of the electronic device 100 (e.g., a processor) maybe operably coupled to facilitate communication or user interaction. Forexample, a display of the electronic device may be operably coupled tothe processor. In the example of FIGS. 2A-B, the flexible conduit 240 iscoupled to the biometric sensor 230 and extends through the passage 227and into the enclosed volume 221. The flexible conduit 240 isillustrated as a flex cable.

The biometric button assembly 210 includes a button housing 203 thatforms an exterior structure of the biometric button assembly 210. Thebutton housing 203 defines an interior volume 216. The exteriorstructure of the biometric button assembly 210 includes input surface212 and housing wall 234. The input surface 212 extends to a perimeteredge of the biometric button assembly 210. The housing wall 234 extendsfrom the perimeter edge of the biometric button assembly 210 into theopening 222 of the electronic device 100. The input surface 212 and thehousing wall 234 define an interior volume 216 of the button assembly210. The interior volume 216 is adapted to receive any of several othercomponents, to include a sensor 230 and a flexible conduit 240.

As described above, the plunger 202, positioned below the input surface212, displaces with displacement of the input surface 212. The plunger202 is positioned above the tactile switch 250 and may actuate thetactile switch 250 when the input surface 212 is displaced. As shown inFIGS. 2A-2B.

The plunger 202 is configured to engage a retainer 224 within an axialaperture of a central portion of retainer 224. The retainer 224 isaxially aligned with the plunger 202. The retainer 224 is at leastpartially disposed in the interior volume 216 of the button housing 203.The retainer 224 holds the plunger 202 in a stable vertical position andallows an axial displacement of the plunger 202 such that a tactile domeswitch 250 may be activated. The retainer 224 may be manufactured of anyrigid or semi-rigid material, to include metals and hardened plastics. Aplunger O-ring 204 is fitted around a central portion of the plunger202. The plunger 202 displaces upon a user input to the input surface212, as shown by comparing FIG. 2A, in which the plunger is notdisplaced, and FIG. 2B, in which the plunger is displaced.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-B, the retainer 224 includes a lowersurface that forms a sealing surface 225 of the button assembly 210.Specifically, a lower surface of the retainer 224 may form a sealingsurface 225 of the button assembly 210, the sealing surface 225 engagedwith or contacting either the seal 262 or a portion of the flexibleconduit 240.

The button housing 203 may translate or displace within the opening 222by slightly displacing the plunger 202 against the tactile switch 250.For example, with respect to FIGS. 2A-B, the button housing 203translates or displaces to the left-right against the plunger 202 inresponse to a user input. Tactile dome switch 250 activates uponmovement or displacement of the plunger 202. Once the plunger 202displaces to a threshold distance, the tactile switch 250 collapses.FIG. 2A depicts the tactile switch 250 in an unactivated or uncollapsedstate. FIG. 2B depicts the tactile switch 250 in an activated orcollapsed state.

The opening 222 extends to an enclosure shelf 223 adapted to receive thebutton housing 203 and the switch 250. The switch 250 may beincorporated or assembled to a printed circuit board (PCB) that isaffixed to the enclosure shelf 223 by an adhesive or fastener. The PCBmay include electrical terminals and electrical routing elements forelectrically coupling the switch 250 with other elements or componentsof the device.

The tactile dome switch 250 may be any type of switch known to thoseskilled in the art, to include a metal or rubber dome switch. A tactiledome switch compresses in response to an applied force. Upon reaching athreshold level of compression, the tactile dome switch 250 buckles andmakes an electrical contact. The electrical contact closes the switch,which may be transmitted as an electrical signal or detected as anelectrical activation. An electrical connector is connected to thetactile dome switch 250 to receive and transfer the output from thetactile dome switch 250. As previously discussed, components of theelectronic device 100, such as the display, may respond to an activationof the tactile dome switch 250.

In one embodiment, the biometric sensing system 201 may be configured toactivate in response to an input force to an input member of thebiometric button assembly 210 which is of negligible magnitude or to thenear proximity of a user. Such an operational mode may be enabled by anyof several types of proximity sensors located on or adjacent to theinput member of the button assembly 210. For example, when an object,e.g., a user finger, approaches the input surface 212 of the buttonassembly 210, the object may be detected by a proximity sensor,resulting in a signal used to activate the biometric sensing system 201.In one embodiment, the sensor 230 may nominally remain off until theproximity sensor is activated. Such a configuration allows power to beconserved, for example, in that the sensor 230 is only activated when auser is adjacent the proximity sensor and/or adjacent the buttonassembly 210. Sample proximity sensors include capacitive sensors,optical sensors, Hall Effect sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and so on. Insome embodiments, the proximity sensor may be a touch sensor.

In some embodiments, the proximity sensor may be fitted to orincorporated into the housing wall 234, to include a housing wall 234configured as a trim surface. In one embodiment, the housing wall 234 isa conductive material. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor isdisposed within the interior volume 216 and/or is embedded in the inputsurface 212. The button assembly 210 is at least partially disposed inan opening 222 of an electronic device 100. As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, thebutton assembly 210 may be positioned to protrude from a surface of theenclosure 220.

The physical profile of the button assembly 210 may be of any of severalconfigurations, to include substantially planar or flat, convex, andconcave. In one embodiment, the input surface is an input member, suchas a touch screen. The input surface 212 extends to a perimeter edge ofthe button assembly 210. A housing wall 234 extends from the perimeteredge of the button assembly 210 into the opening 222. Although thehousing wall 234 is shown in FIGS. 2A-B as a straight cross-section,other geometries are possible. For example, the housing wall 234 mayform a straight cross-section with a cut-out to retain an O-ring seal.In one embodiment, the housing wall 234 is a trim surface that ismatched to the look and/or feel of the enclosure 220. For example, thehousing wall 234 may be manufactured of the same material (e.g., a metalalloy) as the enclosure 220, present the same color as the enclosure220, and/or present the same texture (e.g. roughness) as the enclosure220. In some embodiments, the housing wall 234 may be manufactured of acomplementary material to the enclosure 220, or manufactured of amaterial not the same as the enclosure 220.

FIG. 3A is a cross-section of a biometric button assembly disposed in anopening of an electronic device taken along section A-A of FIG. 1. Thebiometric button assembly 310 is disposed in an opening of an enclosure120 of an electronic device 100. The biometric button assembly 310 isdepicted in a first, undepressed state. The biometric button assembly310 may operate in a second, depressed state (not shown). The embodimentof the biometric button assembly 310 of FIG. 3A is an alternative designof the embodiment of the biometric button assembly 210 of FIGS. 2A-B.

Generally, the biometric button assembly 310 is configured to move ordisplace in response to an input to the input surface 212, e.g. a usertouch to the input surface. A button housing 303 of the biometric buttonassembly 310 displaces into the opening 222 of the enclosure 120 toactivate tactile switch 350. The tactile switch 350 provides the userwith tactile feedback as to switch operation; for example, whether theswitch has activated. The tactile switch 350 collapses when activated,and thus provides a tactile response or a sense of touch to the userthat the switch has been activated.

The biometric button assembly 310 defines an input surface 212 on theexterior of the biometric button assembly 310 for receiving inputs, suchas inputs from users (e.g., touches, presses, and the like). Inputs mayinclude presses, touches, or other interactions between a user and theinput surface 212. The button assembly 310 includes a cover glass 316,such as sapphire. The cover glass 316 may be an input member with inputsurface 212, as discussed previously with respect to the embodiment ofFIGS. 2A-B. A biometric sensor 330 is positioned below the input surface212. Stated another way, the biometric sensor 330 is located inwardsfrom the input surface 212, such that the sensor 330 is positionedwithin the button assembly and offset inward with respect to the inputsurface 212. The biometric sensor 330 detects inputs received on theinput surface 212. A flexible conduit 340 receives an output signal fromthe sensor 330 and transmits the output signal to a processor of theelectronic device 100.

The upper portion of the button assembly 310 includes a stack of severalcomponents. The stack of components will be described from the exteriorof the button assembly 310 inward. An input surface 212 defines an upperinput surface of the button assembly 310. The input surface 212 isformed on the upper surface of the cover glass 316. Biometric sensor 330is disposed below cover glass 316. Biometric sensor 330 is disposedwithin an upper portion of encapsulant 333. The encapsulant 333 isdisposed above an upper stiffener 314. Lastly, the upper stiffener 314is disposed above and is connected to the plunger 202. In oneembodiment, the encapsulant is overmolded around the sensor die 311.

Biometric sensor 330 is depicted in FIG. 3A to highlight the sensor 330component elements of sensing elements 308 and sensor die 311. Thesensor 330 may include one or more of the biometric sensor typesdiscussed above, to include capacitive, optical, and ultrasonic. Thesensing elements 308 are the active sensing components of a particularbiometric sensor 330. For example, if the biometric sensor 330 is amulti-capacitor sensor, the sensing elements 308 are the capacitiveplate elements that, together, form a matrix of capacitive sensingelements. The sensor die 311 is shaped or configured to snuggly fit orsecurely retain the sensing elements 308. In one embodiment, the sensordie 311 forms an interference fit with the sensing elements 308.

The sensor die 311 retains the sensing elements 308 in a substantiallyplanar configuration such that sensing of a user input may be performed.For example, if the sensor 330 was a self-capacitive system, upon a usertouch to the input surface 212, a change in capacitance between one ormore of the sensing elements 308 and the user finger would occur. One ormore of the sensing elements 308 would sense or measure such a change incapacitance and output an electrical output signal, as discussed above.The measure of capacitance varies with the distance between the sensingarea and the user finger. If a fine array of capacitive sensors werepositioned within the sensor die to form the sensing elements 308, thedifferences in distance to a ridge of a fingerprint and channels betweenridges of a fingerprint could be detected. A collection of suchcapacitance measures allows a fingerprint to be constructed.

Sensor die 311 is disposed within encapsulant 333. The encapsulant 333encloses and protects the sensor die 311 and the sensing elements 308. Aperimeter of the encapsulant 333 may engage a lower surface of the coverglass 316, thereby enclosing or sealing the sensor 330. The encapsulant333 may protect the sensor 330 from, among other things, humidity,temperature changes, vibration, and mechanical shock such as caused bydropping of the electronic device 100. The encapsulant 333 may be anyencapsulant or electrical potting compound known to those skilled in theart, to include polyurethanes, epoxies, silicones, and other polymers.

Upper stiffener 314 is disposed between the encapsulant 312 and theplunger 202. Stated another way, the upper stiffener is disposed below alower surface of the encapsulant 333 and disposed above an upper surfaceof the plunger 202. The upper stiffener 314 is formed of a rigidmaterial, such as metal or hardened plastic. The upper stiffener 314helps to distribute the contact force and/or contact load applied to thesensor 330 during operation of the plunger 202.

The flexible conduit 340 receives the output signal from the biometricsensor 330 and transmits the output signal to a processor within theelectronic device. A first or proximal end of the flexible conduit 340is engaged with at least a portion of the encapsulant 333. In theembodiment of FIG. 3A, the proximal end of the flexible conduit 340 isdisposed within a lower portion of the encapsulant 333. In such aconfiguration, the proximal end of the flexible conduit 340 remainsfixed and in a predictable distance and orientation with respect to thesensor 330.

The flexible conduit 340 receives an electrical output signal generatedand output by the sensor 330 and transmits the electrical output signalto a processor of the electronic device 100. The flexible conduit 340runs from below the sensor 330, along an edge of the button assembly310, to below the button housing 303. At the distal end of the flexibleconduit 340, an electrical connection connects the flexible conduit 340with a system connector 306. The system connector 306 receives data orelectrical output signals from the system connector 306 and outputs theelectrical output signals to a processor of the electronic device 100.

The second or distal end of the flexible conduit 340 connects with thesystem connector 306 through a hot bar connector 322. The hot barconnector 322 provides an electrical connection between the flexibleconduit 340 and the system connector 306. The phrase “hot bar” means aconnection obtained through a pulsed heat thermode soldering techniqueresulting in a permanent electro-mechanical connection. The hot barconnector 322 may be a hot bar connection or any other connection knownto those skilled in the art that provides a reliable electricalconnection.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the retainer 224 is of stepped design,with a lowest step providing a stop to displacement of the buttonhousing 303. Other configurations of the retainer 224 are possible, toinclude a sloped design (such as that of FIGS. 2A-B.) The retainer 224lower surface forms a sealing surface 225 for the button assembly 310.

The retainer 224 is disposed on a portion of the flexible conduit 340.Stated another way, the sealing surface 225 of the retainer 224 isdisposed on a portion of the flexible conduit 340. A portion of theflexible conduit 340 disposed below the sealing surface 225 of theretainer is disposed on a face seal 318. The face seal 318 is in turndisposed on a static seal 320. In some embodiments, only one of faceseal 318 and static seal 320 are provided. For example, the sealingsurface 225 of the retainer is disposed on a portion of the flexibleconduit 340, a portion of the flexible conduit 340 in turn disposed oreither the face seal 318 or the static seal. In another embodiment, thestack of seals and flexible conduit are in a different sequence. Forexample, from sealing surface 225 of the retainer 224 toward theenclosed volume, the stack may be face seal 318, flexible conduit 340,then static seal 320.

Alternatively, the stacked sequence may be face seal 318, static seal320, then flexible conduit 340, or any sequence combination of face seal318, static seal 320, and flexible conduit 340. Additionally, one ormore adhesives may be used to bond the above layers together. Forexample, an adhesive may be fitted between face seal 318 and static seal320 or between other combinations of layers. In one embodiment, the faceseal 318 is a gasket seal. The face seal 318 may be a pressure-sensitiveadhesive (PSA). In one embodiment, the static seal 320 is a gasket seal.The static seal 320 may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

In the present example, the face seal 318, static seal 320, and aportion of the flexible conduit 340 encircle or surround the passage327. Also, in the present example, the flexible conduit 340 is stackedover the face seal 318 and the static seal 320, and the relevant portionof the flexible conduit 340 covers or overlaps substantially all of asealing surface of the face seal 318 and the static seal 320.

In one embodiment, a portion of the flexible conduit 340 is fittedwithin a layer of seals and/or PSA to form a seal region 309. Forexample, PSA may be applied to both an upper and a lower surface of thedistal end of the flexible conduit 340, such that the upper PSA portionconnects with the sealing surface 225 of the retainer 224 and the lowerPSA portion connects with the enclosure shelf of the opening 222. Inanother example, a gasket seal (such as face seal 318) may further beapplied below the lower PSA portion, such that a sandwich, from outsidethe button assembly inwards, is formed of PSA, flexible conduit 340,PSA, and then the gasket seal. In one embodiment, one or more seals areinsert molded around the flexible conduit 340. In one embodiment, one ormore seals are face sealed against the flexible conduit 340. In oneembodiment, one or more seals are adhered to the flexible conduit 340using pressure-sensitive adhesives. In one embodiment, all or part ofthe seal region is overmolded around all or part of the flexible conduit340 that passes into or through the seal region.

In one embodiment, the one or more parts fitted between the sealingsurface 225 of the button assembly 310, such as the lower surface of theretainer 224, and the enclosure shelf may be termed a seal region 309.The seal region restricts entry or ingress of contaminants into theenclosed volume 221 by way of passage 327. The components which form theseal region 309 may be a substantially parallel stack of components, asdescribed above. In other embodiments, the seal region may be any one ormore components that restrict entry or ingress of contaminants into theenclosed volume 221. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D, the seal region 309,including the face seal 318, static seal 320, and relevant portion ofthe flexible conduit 340, encircles or surrounds the passage 327 toprevent or reduce the ingress of contaminants into the enclosed volume221 of the enclosure 120. The seal region 309 including the variouscomponents also surrounds the tactile dome 350 and other electronic orelectrical components of the switch, which may protect those componentsfrom contaminants, as well.

The button assembly 310 includes a plunger 202, the plunger 202 in turnconnected to a switch 350. The plunger 202 is axially aligned within thebutton assembly 310. With movement of the button assembly 310, theplunger 202 translates or displaces, resulting in activation of theswitch 350. The plunger is fitted in a central groove to receive aplunger O-ring 204. The plunger O-ring 204 is configured to engage witha retainer 224, discussed with regard to FIGS. 2A-B. An upper portion ofthe plunger 202 may be attached to a lower portion of the upperstiffener 314. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the plunger 202is attached to the lower portion of the upper stiffener 314 with anadhesive or other attachment device or mechanism.

The switch 350 is disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) 325, whichis in turn disposed on a bracket 324. The bracket 324 is a rigidcomponent that provides structural support to the PCB 325 and to theswitch 350. The PCB 325 includes electrical connections to receiveelectrical activation signals from the switch 350, and may hold otherelectrical components. The bracket 324 may be disposed on a shelf withinthe opening 222 of the electronic device 100.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of portions of the embodiment of a biometricsensing system 301 of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a close-up of two componentsof FIG. 3B fitted together. In FIG. 3B, nine portions of the biometricsensing system 301 are shown. Generally, the components of the biometricsensing system 301 interlock. The stack of components will be describedin a descending direction from the exterior of the button assemblydownward, and from left to right in FIG. 3B.

The cover glass 316 fits with or is conformal with an assembly of theencapsulated sensor die, sensor elements, and the flexible conduit 340.The encapsulated sensor die and the sensing elements are depicted asassembled to the partially encapsulated flexible conduit 340, and notdepicted separately. Note that the portion of the flexible conduit 340that is not encapsulated is the portion that runs along an outer portionof the button housing 303 and connects with the system connector 306. Asystem connector 306 may include another separate flexible circuit orconduit that is electrically coupled to the flexible conduit. The systeminterconnect 306 may include a set of interconnects, such as circularinterconnects or linear interconnects and may provide an electricalconnection between the flexible conduit 340 and the system connector306. For example, the system interconnect may be an electricalconnector, such as an encased wire. The system interconnect 306 mayreplace or supplement the hot bar connector 322. The assembly ofencapsulated sensor die, sensing elements, and flexible conduit 340 fitwithin button housing 303 and rest on a shelf of the button housing 303,as shown in FIGS. 3A-B.

FIG. 3C depicts an assembly of the flexible conduit 340 fitted to thebutton housing 303. The flexible conduit 340 may include an upperportion 339 that is connected to the sensor 330. (See FIG. 3A.) A secondor sealing portion 341 of the flexible conduit 340 is coupled to thefirst portion 339 by a folded portion 343. The sealing portion 341 maybe generally flat and may interface with the seal to form a seal region,as described above with respect to FIG. 3A. One or more openings orapertures formed in the sealing portion 341 may be configured toencircle the plunger, the passage, or other feature or element of thebutton assembly or device. As described previously, by encircling orsurrounding the passage or various components, the flexible conduit 340,specifically the sealing portion 341, may prevent or reduce ingress ofcontaminates for those components or regions of the device. A foldedconduit portion 343 connects first conduit end 339 and second conduitend 341 and may be configured to bend, flex, or fold in accordance withthe operation of the switch. The folded conduit portion 343 may be ofsmaller width then the width of one or both of first conduit end 339 andsecond conduit end 341. The folded conduit portion 343 may be configuredwith multiple folds, so as to form an accordion configuration, asdepicted in FIG. 3C.

Returning to FIG. 3B, plunger 202, with plunger O-ring seal 204, fitwithin a central aperture of retainer 224. After folding the flexibleconduit 340 such that second conduit end 341 is aligned and fitted belowlower surface of retainer 224, face seal 318 fits below second conduitend 341. Static seal 320 is depicted already attached to face seal 318.Retainer 224 is depicted with a central hole to allow passage of plunger202 and switch 350. Lastly, bracket 324 is shown to form a lowercomponent of the biometric sensing system 301. Note further that lowerbracket 324 is depicted with two fasteners that engage with two outerholes in retainer 224.

FIG. 3D is a sample cross-section view of the electronic device 100 ofFIG. 1, taken along section A-A in FIG. 1 and showing another embodimentof a biometric sensing system 301. The embodiment of FIG. 3D is similarto the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-B except that the configurations of somecomponents are different. Specifically, the flexible conduit 340 andassociated connections, the configuration of the stiffener 314, and theseal region 309 are different.

Stiffener 314 is shown with additional thickness at outer areas. Theadditional structural thickness will increase the rigidity of thestiffener, such that a relatively less degree of rotational movement mayoccur during vertical displacement of the button housing 310.

The upper positioning of the flexible conduit 340 is extended in theembodiment of FIG. 3D relative to that of FIGS. 3A-B. The first orproximal end of the flexible conduit 340 extends across substantiallythe entire horizontal portion of the encapsulant 333. This configurationprovides more overlapping between the flexible conduit 340 and thesensor 330. Such increased overlapping area may allow additionalelectrical output signal processing to occur at the proximal end of theflexible conduit 340, and/or allow increased robustness in electricaloutput signal transfer between the flexible conduit 340 and the sensor330.

The lower positioning of the flexible conduit 340 is outside of theopening 222 of the electronic device 100 in the embodiment of FIG. 3D.The flexible conduit 340 runs from below the sensor 330, along an edgeof the button assembly 310, to below the retainer 224.

The second or distal end of the flexible conduit 340 forms a portion ofseal region 309. The distal end of the flexible conduit 340 is disposedbelow both the static seal 320 and the face seal 318. The distal end ofthe flexible conduit 340 connects with the system connector 306 throughthe hot bar connector 322. A seal region 309 is formed by a stack ofseals and the distal end of the flexible connector 340. Morespecifically, a stack is formed of face seal 318, static seal 320, andflexible conduit 340. The hot bar connector 322 connects the distal endof the flexible conduit 340 and the system connector 306.

FIGS. 4A-B are cross-sections of a biometric button assembly disposed inan opening of an electronic device taken along section B-B of FIG. 1.The biometric button assembly 410 is disposed in an opening of anenclosure 120 of an electronic device 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A,the button assembly 410 is stationary and includes a biometric sensor430. The biometric sensor 430 produces an output signal in response to auser touch to a button input surface 212. The output signal correspondsto a biometric characteristic of a user, such as a fingerprint. Aflexible conduit 440 transmits the sensor data to a processor positionedinside the electronic device. The button assembly 410 also includes atouch sensor configured to detect an input to the button input surface212. The touch sensor includes a lower capacitive plate 420 whichproduces a signal indicating a user touch to the input surface 212. Thebutton is sealed by an O-ring seal 414 positioned between the buttonhousing 403 and an enclosure 120 of the electronic device.

The button housing 403 of the biometric button assembly 410 includes abiometric sensor 430 configured to detect a biometric characteristic ofa user. The biometric sensor 430 is coupled to an input surface 212disposed on a button housing 403 of the button assembly 410. A flexibleconduit 440 is operable to couple the sensor 430 to a processor of theelectronic device by transmitting signals from the sensor to theprocessor. The processor is positioned in an enclosed volume 421 of theenclosure 120 of the electronic device. The flexible conduit 440 passesfrom an interior volume 424 of the button housing 403 to the enclosedvolume 421 of the enclosure 120 by way of passage 427.

The biometric sensor 430 is similar to the sensors 230 and 330 discussedwith respect to FIGS. 2-3. An input surface 212 is positioned above thebiometric sensor 430. The biometric sensor 430 senses a biometriccharacteristic of a user, based on user interaction with the inputsurface 212. In various embodiments, the biometric button assembly maybe used to determine a biometric characteristic.

The biometric sensor 430 detects inputs received at the input surface212 and provides an output signal associated with the detected input,for example, to a processor of the electronic device 100. Morespecifically, the sensor 430 provides or outputs a signal that istriggered or prompted by user interaction with the input surface 212.For example, the input surface 212 may be an input surface configured toreceive a user input which may be sensed by the sensor 430, the sensor430 sensing or outputting a signal associated with a biometric of auser.

The sensor 430 may be any type of biometric sensor that provides asignal associated with a biometric of a user. For example, the sensor430 may be a sensor that provides a fingerprint biometric. Thefingerprint biometric may be obtained by any means known in the art, toinclude, without limitation, a capacitive fingerprint sensor, anultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and an optical fingerprint sensor. Forexample, the sensor 430 may be a self-capacitive fingerprint sensor madeof an array of capacitive sensing elements. Each of the sensing elementsmeasure the capacitance between the sensing element and a particularportion of a user finger touching the input surface 212. The array, ormatrix, of capacitive-based sensors may be fine enough to decipher theridges and grooves of a human fingerprint. The differences incapacitance to the ridges and grooves of a fingerprint may be used toproduce a fingerprint.

A flexible conduit 440 receives the output signal of the biometricsensor 430 and provides the output signal to the processor of theelectronic device 100. The flexible conduit 440 may pass through passage427 between the enclosed volume 421 of the electronic device 100 and theinterior volume 424 within the button housing 403. A proximal or firstend of the flexible conduit 440 is disposed below the sensor 430 andwithin the interior volume 424. A second or distal end of the flexibleconduit 440 is disposed below the button assembly 410 and within theenclosed volume 421.

The button assembly 410 also includes a touch sensor configured todetect an input to the button input surface 212. The touch sensorincludes a lower capacitive plate 420, which produces a signalindicating a user touch to the input surface 212. The touch sensor andlower capacitive plate 420 may be configured in any of several ways todetect a touch. Generally, the touch sensor may operate independentlyfrom the biometric sensor 430 or in cooperation with the biometricsensor 430.

The touch sensor may operate independently from the biometric sensor 430by using the lower capacitive plate 420 to detect a change incapacitance with a capacitive element positioned above the lowercapacitive plate 420. The lower capacitive plate 420 may detect acapacitive virtual ground effect caused by a user touch (or near touch)to the input surface 212. The measured change in capacitance isidentified by the lower capacitive plate 420, producing an output signalfrom the lower capacitive plate 420. The lower capacitive plate 420output signal is transmitted to the processor of the electronic deviceby flexible conduit 440′ as will be described in more detail withrespect to FIG. 4B, the input surface 212 may displace and/or deflectrelative to the lower capacitive plate 420. Such a change in relativedistance causes a change in capacitance between the user finger and thelower capacitive plate 420, which may be equated to a touch on the inputsurface 212.

The touch sensor may operate in cooperation with the biometric sensor430. For example, if the biometric sensor 430 is a capacitive-basedsensor, then a capacitor of the biometric sensor 430 and the lowercapacitive plate 420 may form a two plate capacitive gap sensor. Thecapacitor of the biometric sensor 430 and the lower capacitive plate 420may also cooperate to form a mutual capacitance system. A change incapacitance will occur when the distance between the biometric sensor430 and the lower capacitive plate 420 changes, either due to movementor deflection of the input surface 212.

The output of the lower capacitive plate 420 of the touch sensor isprovided to flexible conduit 440′. Flexible conduit 440′ receives theoutput signal of the lower capacitive plate 420 of the touch sensor andprovides the output signal to the processor of the electronic device100. The flexible conduit 440′ passes through passage 427 between theinterior volume 424 of the button housing 403 and the enclosed volume421 of the electronic device 100. A proximal or first end of theflexible conduit 440′ is disposed below the lower capacitive plate 420and within the interior volume 424. A second or distal end of theflexible conduit 440′ is disposed below the button assembly 410 andwithin the enclosed volume 421.

Both the lower capacitive plate 420 and the flexible conduit 440′ aremounted to shelf 422. The shelf 422 may be attached to the buttonhousing 423 by a laser weld or other joining technique. The shelf 422may be separated from the enclosure 120 by a gap and/or may be separatedby the isolation sheet 415.

An electrical isolation sheet 415 is positioned against a housing shelfof the button housing 403 such that when the button assembly 410 isinstalled in an electronic device, the button assembly 410 iselectrically isolated from the electronic device. In one embodiment, theelectrical isolation sheet 415 additionally or alternatively functionsas a seal to inhibit the entry of contaminants into the electronicdevice and/or the button housing. For example, the electrical isolationsheet 415 may be a gasket made of rubber, plastic, or another suitablematerial.

The button assembly 410 engages an opening of an electronic device 100.The electronic device 100 includes an enclosure 120 which defines anenclosed volume 421. An opening 222 may be connected to the enclosedvolume 421 by way of passage 427. The enclosed volume 421 of theelectronic device 100 may include components such as a processor, datastorage memory, and the like. An O-ring seal 414 is fitted between thebutton assembly 410 and the opening 222 in order to prevent or restrictthe entry of contaminants into the enclosed volume 421 and/or theopening 222.

The button assembly 410 further includes a housing wall 423 extendingfrom a perimeter edge of the input surface 212. The input surface 212,housing wall 423, and housing shelf 405 define the button housing 403.The housing shelf defines a lower end of the button assembly. Thehousing wall 423 may comprise a trim portion. The trim portion may beconfigured with characteristics similar to that of the adjacent portionof the electronic device 100. For example, the trim portion may be ofthe same color, texture, and/or material composition as the adjacentportion of the electronic device 100. The housing wall 423 is configuredwith a perimeter channel to receive the O-ring seal 414.

The O-ring seal 414 contacts the housing wall 423 of the biometricbutton assembly 410 and the opening 222 of the enclosure 120 such thatcontaminants are inhibited from entering the enclosure 120 and theinterior volume 424 of the button housing 403. The O-ring seal 414 isdisposed between the housing wall 423 and the opening 222. The O-ringseal 414 restricts and/or prevents contaminants from entering theenclosed volume of the electronic device 100 by way of passage 427. TheO-ring seal also restricts and/or prevents contaminants from enteringthe interior volume of the button assembly 410. More specifically, theO-ring seal restricts and/or prevents contaminants that may enter a gapbetween the housing wall 423 and opening 222 and thus enter one or bothof the enclosed volume 421 of the electronic device 100 and the interiorvolume 424 of the button assembly 410.

The O-ring seal 414 may be manufactured of any known sealing material.For example, the O-ring seal 414 may be formed of materials such asrubber and elastomeric materials. In one embodiment, the O-ring seal 414forms a water-tight seal. “Water-tight seal,” as used herein, may beused to refer to a seal that prevents water entering an area ofinterest.

Button housing 403 is attached to electronic device 100 by way offasteners 402. In the embodiment depicted, the fasteners 402 are screws.Other retaining means are possible, to include press fits, clamps, andadhesives. The fasteners 402 are fixed to the electronic device 100 suchthat a portion of each fastener extends into the button housing 403.More specifically, the fastener engages the housing shelf 405 of thebutton housing 403. In one embodiment, fasteners 402 are made of anon-conductive material, such as a resin or a plastic. In anotherembodiment, the fasteners 402 are of a metallic material.

In one embodiment, a seal is positioned between the button housing and asurface of the opening of the enclosure. The seal inhibits the entry ofcontaminants into the electronic device. In such an embodiment, thefasteners 402 attaching the button housing 403 to the enclosure placethe seal in compression. In one embodiment, the seal is the electricalisolation sheet 415.

With attention to FIG. 4B, more detail of the biometric sensing assembly410 is provided. The biometric sensor 430 is depicted with components ofsensing elements 408 and sensor die 411. The sensing elements 408 arethe active sensing components of a particular biometric sensor 430. Forexample, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 3A-B, if the biometricsensor 430 is a multi-capacitor sensor, the sensing elements 408 are thecapacitive plate elements that, together, form a matrix of capacitivesensing elements. The sensor die 411 is shaped or configured to snugglyfit or securely retain the sensing elements 408. In one embodiment, thesensor die 411 forms an interference fit with the sensing elements 408.

The sensor die 411 retains the sensing elements 408 in a substantiallyplanar configuration. Sensor overmold 433 is disposed below sensor die411. In some embodiments, sensor overmold 433 may at least partiallyhold or encircle sensor die 411.

An input member 412 may be disposed above biometric sensor 430 andextend across the top surface of the button housing 403. The inputmember 412 may be capable of deflecting, or otherwise moving, relativeto the lower capacitive plate 420. The input member 412 may move ordeflect in response to a user touching or pressing on the input surface212. In one embodiment, the input member 412 is a cover glass, such assapphire.

In one embodiment, the input member 412 includes a first or upper layerthat matches the housing wall 423. For example, the upper layer of theinput member 412 may be of the same material, or appear to be of thesame material, as the housing wall 423. In one embodiment, the inputmember 412 includes a second layer positioned below the first layer, thefirst layer being a cover glass, such as a sapphire cover glass.

System interconnects 426 are disposed below the sensor overmold 433. Thesystem interconnects 426 electrically connect the signals output fromthe sensing elements 408 to the flexible conduit 440. The flexibleconduit 440 bends downward into the interior volume by way of passage427, ultimately connecting to a processor of the electronic device 100.

The system interconnects 426 and the flexible conduit 440 are positionedwithin or in contact with a compressible layer 404. The compressiblelayer 404 compresses to allow slight deflection and/or displacement ofthe input member 412. Stated another way, the compressible layer 404 iscompressible, thereby enabling the input member 412 to slightly displaceor bend toward the interior volume 424.

In one embodiment, the compressible layer 404 is a heat activated (HAF)silicon sandwich. The HAF silicon sandwich is a stack of the followingfive elements: heat activated film, polyimide (PI), silicon, heatactivated film and the flexible conduit 440. Other configurations of theaforementioned elements are possible in other embodiments, to include,for example, heat activated film, PI, then flexible conduit, and anyother combination or sequence of the elements. In other embodiments, thecompressible layer 404 is made of any combination of the abovematerials. System interconnects 426 may be positioned within all or aportion of the compressible layer 404.

FIG. 4C is a sample assembly drawing of portions of the embodiment of abiometric sensing system 401 of FIG. 4B. The stack of components will bedescribed in a descending direction from the exterior of the buttonassembly downward, and from right to left in FIG. 4C. Generally, thecomponents of the biometric sensing system 401 interconnect.

Input member 412, which may be a sapphire cover glass, fits over sensingelements 408 as fitted to sensor die 411. The assembly of sensor die 411and sensing elements 408 then fit to sensor overmold 433. Sensorovermold 433 is in turn disposed on compressible layer 404, which inturn fits to a housing shelf of button housing 403. O-ring seal 414 fitsaround a perimeter of button housing 403. Lower capacitive plate 420,with a portion of flexible conduit 440′, fits below the button housing403. Next, electrical isolation sheet 415 engages a lower portion of thebutton housing 403. Lastly, fasteners 402 secure the button housing 403to the enclosure 120 of the electronic device 100.

FIG. 4D is another sample assembly drawing of the completed buttonassembly 410 fitted to the electronic device 100 by way of fasteners402. The fasteners 402 pass through the enclosure 120 to secure thebutton assembly 410 to the enclosure 120. Other configurations ofsecuring the button assembly 410 to the enclosure 120 are possible, toinclude use of other attachment devices, such as adhesives. In oneembodiment, the button assembly is secured to the enclosure 120 by aninterference fit.

FIG. 4E is a sample cross-section view of the electronic device 100 ofFIG. 1, taken along section B-B in FIG. 1 and showing another embodimentof a biometric sensing system 401. The embodiment of FIG. 4E is similarto the embodiment of FIG. 4B, except that the configuration of theflexible conduit 440 is altered. Specifically, the flexible conduit 440travels in a serpentine manner from below the sensor overmold 433 (thesame starting configuration as the flexible conduit 440 of FIG. 4B), tobelow the lower capacitive plate 420 (the same location as flexibleconduit 440′ of FIG. 4B), then bending downward into the interior volume42, ultimately connecting to a processor of the electronic device 100.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative block diagram 550 of an electronic device 100as described herein. The electronic device can include a display 516,one or more processing units 500, memory 502, one or more input/output(I/O) devices 504, one or more button assemblies 506, a power source508, and a network communications interface 510.

The display 516 may provide an image or graphical output (e.g.,computer-generated image data) for the electronic device. The displaymay also provide an input surface for one or more input devices, suchas, for example, a touch sensing device and/or a fingerprint sensor. Thedisplay 516 may be substantially any size and may be positionedsubstantially anywhere on the electronic device.

The processing unit 500 can control some or all of the operations of theelectronic device. The processing unit 500 can communicate, eitherdirectly or indirectly, with substantially all of the components of theelectronic device. For example, a system bus or signal line 512 or othercommunication mechanisms (e.g., electronic connectors) can providecommunication between the processing unit(s) 500, the memory 502, theI/O device(s) 504, the button assemblies 506, the power source 508,and/or the network communications interface 510. The one or moreprocessing units 500 can be implemented as any electronic device capableof processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. Forexample, the processing unit(s) 500 can each be a microprocessor, acentral processing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit, afield-programmable gate array, a digital signal processor, an analogcircuit, a digital circuit, or a combination of such devices. Theprocessor may be a single-thread or multi-thread processor. Theprocessor may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

Accordingly, as described herein, the phrase “processing unit” or, moregenerally, “processor” refers to a hardware-implemented data processingunit or circuit physically structured to execute specifictransformations of data, including data operations represented as codeand/or instructions included in a program that can be stored within andaccessed from a memory. The term is meant to encompass a singleprocessor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processingunits, analog or digital circuits, or other suitably configuredcomputing element or combination of elements.

The memory 502 can store electronic data that can be used by theelectronic device. For example, a memory can store electrical data orcontent such as, for example, audio and video files, documents andapplications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals,signals received from the one or more sensors, one or more patternrecognition algorithms, data structures or databases, and so on. Thememory 502 can be configured as any type of memory. By way of exampleonly, the memory can be implemented as random access memory, read-onlymemory, flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storageelements, or combinations of such devices.

The one or more I/O devices 504 can transmit and/or receive data to andfrom a user or another electronic device. The I/O device(s) 504 caninclude a display, a touch or force sensing input surface such as atrackpad, one or more buttons, one or more microphones or speakers, oneor more ports such as a microphone port, one or more accelerometers fortap sensing, one or more optical sensors for proximity sensing, and/or akeyboard.

The electronic device may also include one or more button assemblies 506positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device andconfigured to receive inputs and transmit input signals to theelectronic device, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. Invarious embodiments, the button assembly may be used to control variousfunctions and components of the electronic device, such as a graphicaloutput of a display 516, an audio output of the audio I/O device 514,powering the electronic device on and off, and the like. A buttonassembly 506 may be configured, for example, as a power button, a key ofa keyboard, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home button, awatch crown, or the like. In one embodiment, a graphical output of thedisplay 516 is responsive to the input provided to the button assembly.

The power source 508 can be implemented with any device capable ofproviding energy to the electronic device. For example, the power source508 can be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries, or aconnection cable that connects the remote control device to anotherpower source such as a wall outlet.

The network communication interface 510 can facilitate transmission ofdata to or from other electronic devices. For example, a networkcommunication interface can transmit electronic signals via a wirelessand/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired networkconnections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,IR, and Ethernet.

It should be noted that FIG. 5 is for illustrative purposes only. Inother examples, an electronic device may include fewer or morecomponents than those shown in FIG. 5. Additionally or alternatively,the electronic device can be included in a system and one or morecomponents shown in FIG. 5 are separate from the electronic device butincluded in the system. For example, an electronic device may beoperatively connected to, or in communication with a separate display.As another example, one or more applications can be stored in a memoryseparate from the wearable electronic device. The processing unit in theelectronic device can be operatively connected to and in communicationwith the separate display and/or memory.

One may appreciate that although many embodiments are disclosed above,that the operations and steps presented with respect to methods andtechniques described herein are meant as exemplary and accordingly arenot exhaustive. One may further appreciate that alternate step order orfewer or additional operations may be required or desired for particularembodiments.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations arepossible in view of the above teachings.

The present disclosure recognizes that personal information data,including biometric data, in the present technology, can be used to thebenefit of users. For example, the use of biometric authentication datacan be used for convenient access to device features without the use ofpasswords. In other examples, user biometric data is collected forproviding users with feedback about their health or fitness levels.Further, other uses for personal information data, including biometricdata, that benefit the user are also contemplated by the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure further contemplates that the entitiesresponsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage,or other use of such personal information data will comply withwell-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. Inparticular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacypolicies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting orexceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personalinformation data private and secure, including the use of dataencryption and security methods that meets or exceeds industry orgovernment standards. For example, personal information from usersshould be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity andnot shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, suchcollection should occur only after receiving the informed consent of theusers. Additionally, such entities would take any needed steps forsafeguarding and securing access to such personal information data andensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhereto their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities cansubject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify theiradherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplatesembodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to,personal information data, including biometric data. That is, thepresent disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elementscan be provided to prevent or block access to such personal informationdata. For example, in the case of biometric authentication methods, thepresent technology can be configured to allow users to optionally bypassbiometric authentication steps by providing secure information such aspasswords, personal identification numbers (PINs), touch gestures, orother authentication methods, alone or in combination, known to those ofskill in the art. In another example, users can select to remove,disable, or restrict access to certain health-related applicationscollecting users' personal health or fitness data.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: an enclosurehaving an enclosed volume and an opening formed in a sidewall; aprocessor positioned in the enclosed volume; a button assembly withinthe opening, the button assembly comprising: an input member having aninput surface; and a biometric sensor positioned below the input memberand configured to produce an output signal in response to a touch on theinput surface, the output signal corresponding to a biometriccharacteristic; a seal positioned between a sealing surface of thebutton assembly and the enclosure; and a flexible conduit coupled to thebiometric sensor and configured to transmit the output signal to theprocessor; wherein: a portion of the flexible conduit is sandwichedbetween the seal and the sealing surface or between the seal and theenclosure.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the buttonassembly further comprises: a tactile dome switch configured to compressin response to a press on the input surface; a plunger positioned belowthe biometric sensor and above the tactile dome switch, the plungerdisplacing and compressing the tactile dome switch in response to thepress on the input surface; and a retainer defining an aperture housingthe plunger; wherein the retainer defines the sealing surface of thebutton assembly.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the sealincludes a gasket and a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer; and theportion of the flexible conduit is positioned between the gasket and thesealing surface of the button assembly.
 4. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the seal is overmolded around the portion of theflexible conduit.
 5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein theflexible conduit passes through an aperture in the seal.
 6. Theelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising a passage extendingfrom the opening to the enclosed volume, wherein the flexible conduitpasses through the passage.
 7. The electronic device of claim 6,wherein: an enclosure shelf is defined at the bottom of the opening; thepassage is formed in the enclosure shelf; and the seal encircles thepassage.
 8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the portion of theflexible conduit encircles the passage.
 9. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the biometric sensor is a fingerprint sensor and thebiometric characteristic is a fingerprint.
 10. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein: the biometric sensor comprises an array of capacitivesensing elements that are configured to detect either or both of ridgesand grooves of a user's finger.
 11. A fingerprint sensing system for awearable device comprising: an enclosure defining an enclosed volume andan opening along an exterior surface; a processor disposed in theenclosed volume; a button assembly positioned in the opening anddefining an input surface, the button assembly comprising: a fingerprintsensor positioned inward from the input surface; and a retainerpositioned inward from the input surface and defining a sealing surface;a seal disposed between the sealing surface of the retainer and asurface of the opening; a passage extending from the opening to theenclosed volume; and a flexible conduit electrically connecting thefingerprint sensor to the processor; wherein: a portion of the flexibleconduit is sandwiched between the seal and the sealing surface of theretainer or between the seal and the surface of the opening.
 12. Thefingerprint sensing system of claim 11, wherein the flexible conduitextends through the passage.
 13. The fingerprint sensing system of claim11, wherein the flexible conduit is coupled to a second flexible conduitthat extends through the passage.
 14. The fingerprint sensing system ofclaim 11, wherein the fingerprint sensor is further configured to detecta touch.
 15. The fingerprint sensing system of claim 11, wherein: thebutton assembly further comprises a tactile dome switch disposed inwardfrom the retainer; and the tactile dome switch compresses in response toa press on the input surface.
 16. A watch comprising: an enclosuredefining an enclosed volume and an opening formed in a sidewall; aprocessor disposed in the enclosed volume; a display positioned withinthe enclosure and operably coupled to the processor; a watchbandattached to the enclosure and configured to couple the watch to a user;and a button assembly disposed within the opening, the button assemblycomprising: a button housing; an input member with an input surface; afingerprint sensor positioned below the input member and configured toproduce an output signal in response to a touch on the input surface,the output signal corresponding to a fingerprint; a touch sensorconfigured to detect the touch; a flexible conduit electrically coupledto the fingerprint sensor and configured to transmit the output signalto the processor; and a seal positioned between the button housing and asurface of the opening; wherein a portion of the flexible conduit issandwiched between the seal and the button housing or between the sealand the surface of the opening.
 17. The watch of claim 16, furthercomprising: a passage extending from the opening to the enclosed volume;wherein the flexible conduit extends from the opening to the enclosedvolume through the passage.
 18. The watch of claim 16, furthercomprising: a fastener attaching the button housing to the enclosure andplacing the seal in compression.
 19. The watch of claim 16, furthercomprising a compressible layer disposed below the fingerprint sensor,the compressible layer compressing to receive a displacement or adeflection of the input member upon receipt of a user force to the inputsurface.
 20. The watch of claim 16, further comprising an electricalisolation sheet disposed between the button housing and the enclosure.